Germany coach Joachim Loew insists his team will impress in Saturday's friendly against South Africa as the national side look to improve their performance levels ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.

"We are well aware that we disappointed our fans in recent games, as we failed to reach our full potential," admitted Loew after his side struggled to a 2-0 win against minnows Azerbaijan last month.

Germany play Azerbaijan again in a World Cup qualifier in Hanover next Wednesday, but face the biggest challenge of the campaign to reach the 2010 World Cup so far when they play Russia in Moscow on October 10.

"Against South Africa and then against Azerbaijan, we need to control the action, we need to return to that dominance that has been the signature of our game in the past," said Loew ahead of the clash with the World Cup hosts.

"I feel certain that we will succeed."

Since succeeding Jurgen Klinsmann as national coach in August 2006, Loew has registered 28 wins, six losses and six draws as well as having reached the final of Euro 2008 when his team lost 1-0 to Spain in Vienna last June.

Bayern Munich striker Mirsolav Klose is expected to make his 90th appearance for Germany in Leverkusen as he looks to add to the 45 goals he has scored for his country.

South Africa and Germany have met three times so far: a scoreless draw in 1995 in Johannesburg, and a 3-0 home-win in Duesseldorf in 1997 before Germany won the last encounter in September 2005 in Bremen when Lukas Podolski scored three goals in a 4-2 win.

South Africa coach Joel Santana has said his side may be under-dogs but they will not be overawed.

"There are underdogs and there are giants, but the beauty of the game of football is that after the match has started anything can happen," said Santana, whose side are ranked 73rd in the world.

"It will be a difficult match, but we are confident."

After finishing fourth in the Confederations Cup last June, Santana says his team are almost ready for the World Cup next year.

And South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena said his team are taking the match very seriously and are eager for the opportunity to attempt an upset, despite a few injuries.

"The Germans are experienced, but I think we have what it takes to face them and we will have to show our mettle," said the Portsmouth star.